- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Winter Babies!
What Works Best for Bundling Baby
By Belinda Clarke
It's cold outside, and how you dress your infant for play and sleep is important during the winter months. According to Janis Stone, textiles and clothing extension specialist at Iowa State University, "In winter, babies need about the same number of layers as adults for comfort and protection – indoors or out. A newborn's ability to regulate body temperature is not well developed, so you need to pay special attention to how they are dressed."
A baby who is too cold may fuss, but may not complain if too warm, says Stone. Mottled-looking skin or pale cheeks may be a sign a baby is too cold. If the neck feels damp from sweat or cheeks are especially rosy, the baby may be overdressed.
"For tiny babies, cotton jersey knit gowns that tie at the bottom keep feet warm and are convenient for changing diapers," Stone says. "As Baby grows, soft, one-piece knit sleepers with feet and a gripper or zip opening from neck to toes make Baby easy to handle. These do not gap open at the waist, as can happen with two-piece outfits. Some sleepers have cuffs that fold over to keep hands warm, but as babies find their mouths with their fists, be sure the sleeve cuffs are kept dry. Evaporating moisture in wet clothes tends to cool the hands and body."
Blanket-weight fleece sleepers are a good choice for infants when sleeping. When a child starts walking, be sure that sleepers have non-skid soles on the bottom of the feet.
According to Stone, if you take a baby outdoors in winter, a knit or fleece cap, sweater and blankets or a snowsuit are needed over their indoor clothes. Wrap small babies in a soft cotton flannel receiving blanket. Wrap heavier fleece or quilted blankets over the first one for added warmth and protection.
When you dress a baby for travel in a car, a snowsuit or car seat-friendly bunting with a buttonhole for the seat belt is needed to fasten the baby in the car seat. A snowsuit should have feet and hand covers. A snowsuit should have a wind and water repellent outer layer and an inner layer of fiber-fill, flannel or fleece that holds still air to insulate. A warm blanket may be needed over these suits, if it is very cold outdoors.
Want to see more?
Comments
There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to 
|
Post As:
|
||
| Enter your comment below: | ||
| Title | ||
| Comment Text | ||
| CAPTCHA | ||
| Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection. | ||
